FREDDIE’S READY TO FLY... IF HE STAYS GROUNDED

BY ALEX SPINK

FREDDIE STEWARD has been told he can be an England great if he continues to fly high – while keeping his feet on the ground.

The 6ft5in full-back was hailed by Eddie Jones as the best Red Rose No.15 since Mike Brown, after his man-of-the-match display against Australia.

On only his fourth start, his first against tier-one opposition, the 20-year old scored a try (left, and celebrating above) and was solid under the high ball. “I haven’t seen an English full-back as courageous in the air like him since Mike Brown,” said head coach Jones. “If he keeps his feet on the ground, he could have a great career.”

Jones said the same about Marcus Smith a week ago and talked himself into bother by using Emma Raducanu as an example of how young stars can get easily distracted.

“I won’t make any analogical statements because I will get in too much trouble,” he said. “But it is hard for these young players. “We have to try to help him manage his distractions because he is going to be the talk of the town.”

Smith and Owen Farrell combined well for Steward’s try and Jones compared their new partnership to “two opening batsman who haven’t batted together, and are facing the new ball for the first time”.

Farrell hurt his ankle and could miss the South Africa game. ENGLAND women’s team underlined their status as the world’s top-ranked side – extending their winning streak to 17 matches with a 51-12 victory over Canada at Twickenham.

Heather Cowell claimed two tries on her debut, as did Sarah Bern and Claudia McDonald, with Alex Matthews also scoring.